High Cholesterol

Over 90 Scientific Studies

High Cholesterol Summary

Plant sterols and stanols are very effective in lowering cholesterol levels and are present in high amounts in rice bran oil and bran, flaxseed, and almonds all of which provide additional cholesterol lowering nutrients. Two fruits that can lower cholesterol are grapes and hawthorn in part because of their high antioxidant content. Green tea's cholesterol lowering properties are, also, in part due to its antioxidants but its tea catechins contribute as well. Oats and buckwheat can be beneficial for cholesterol, too, and garlic and seaweed have cholesterol lowering properties.SOURCES

Other Important Information

Although evidence supports the use of whole grains like bran, oats, buckwheat, these conflict with health optimizing diets like the Bulletproof diet, for example.

Peanuts and pistachios are both good alternatives or additions to almonds for reducing high cholesterol because of their plant sterols and stanols content.

Dietary fiber is important for reducing cholesterol although the type of fiber is important; cereal fibers like those in some of the recommended foods have been shown to be particularly beneficial. Still, consider a fiber supplement if you are consuming very little fiber (Brown et al., 1999; Olson et al., 1997).

Fish oil is beneficial for reducing cholesterol and promoting cardiovascular health as well as providing numerous other health benefits. Although, the evidence isn't as conclusive for its role in reducing cholesterol as it is for its other health benefits.Sources